Proper Use

Talk to your doctor about the possibility of getting a flu shot if you or your child have not had one yet. This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read this information carefully and talk to your doctor if you have any questions.

For patients taking oseltamivir for the treatment of flu: This medicine works best if taken within 2 days of having flu symptoms (e.g., weakness, headache, fever, cough, runny or stuffy nose, and sore throat). This medicine should be taken for 5 days. Continue taking this medicine for the full time of treatment even if you begin to feel better after a few days. This will help clear up your infection completely. If you stop taking this medicine too soon, your symptoms may return.

For patients taking oseltamivir for the prevention of flu after an exposure: The medicine should be taken within 2 days of being exposed to the flu. This medicine should be taken for at least 10 days.

You may take this medicine with meals or on an empty stomach. Taking oseltamivir with food may lessen the possibility of stomach upset.

The oral liquid form of this medicine is available in two dosage strengths (concentrations). Check with your doctor if you have any questions about the dosing instructions, how to measure a dose using the new dosing dispenser (in mL), or about which concentration of Tamiflu® for oral suspension you have.

For patients taking the oral liquid:

This medicine is to be taken only by mouth. Shake it well before using. Use the specially marked dosing dispenser that comes with the medicine to measure each dose accurately. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid. If the measuring device is lost or damaged, contact your pharmacist or doctor to find out the appropriate dose.

Do not use the medicine after the expiration date on the label. The medicine may not work properly after that date. If you have any questions about this, check with your pharmacist.

If the oral liquid is not available, you may open the capsules and mix the contents in a bowl with sweetened liquids such as regular or sugar-free chocolate syrup, corn syrup, caramel topping, or light brown sugar (dissolved in water). Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For oral dosage forms (capsules or suspension):

For treatment of the flu:

Adults and teenagers—75 milligrams (mg) or 12.5 milliliters (mL) two times a day (one in the morning and one in the evening) for 5 days.

Children 1 year of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. It is usually between 30 to 75 mg or 5 to 12.5 mL two times a day for 5 days.

Children 2 weeks of age to less than 1 year of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. It is usually 3 mg per kg of body weight two times a day for 5 days.

Children younger than 2 weeks of age—Use is not recommended.

For prevention of the flu:

Adults and teenagers—75 milligrams (mg) or 12.5 milliliters (mL) once a day for at least 10 days.

Children 1 year of age or older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. It is usually between 30 to 75 mg or 5 to 12.5 mL once a day for 10 days.

Children younger than 1 year of age—Use is not recommended.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

If you miss a dose or forget to use it, take it as soon as you can, except if it is less than 2 hours before your next dose. Take your next dose at the normal time. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store the capsules at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Store the oral liquid in the refrigerator and use it within 17 days after it has been mixed. Do not freeze. You may also store it at room temperature for up to 10 days. Throw away any mixed medicine that has not been used within this time.